Hosted online and attracting participants from around the world, the event featured prayers, scriptural readings, songs, voices from nature, and clear calls to action against ecological sins. The speakers emphasized the moral duty to protect creation and advocate for a just energy transition, urging all to engage in this critical mission. Suzanna Moreira, representing the Laudato Sì Movement, welcomed attendees to the ecumenical event, officially marking the start of the Season of Creation. Key leaders, including Rev. David Coleman, environmental chaplain of Eco-Congregation Scotland; Bishop Pumla Nzimande, presiding bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa; Sister Alessandra Smerilli, secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; Rev. Rachel Mash, cochair of the Season of Creation Steering Committee from the Green Anglicans; and Rev. Sally Azar, pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, offered reflections and prayers, underscoring the interconnectedness of all life and our shared responsibility to care for God’s creation. Throughout the service, readings from the Book of Psalms and the Book of Micah highlighted themes of hope, despair, and God’s presence amidst corruption and injustice. Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines; Archbishop Marinez Bassotto, primate bishop of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil and the Anglican Diocese of the Amazon; and H.E. Metropolitan Thomas, bishop of El-Qussia and Mair, Anaphora, Egypt - Coptic Orthodox Church, shared reflections on the climate crisis. They urged participants to examine their behaviors and recognize the impact of their actions on the environment. Reflecting on the event’s theme, Dr Louk Andrianos, WCC consultant on Care for Creation, Sustainability, and Climate Justice, emphasized, “The call to action is clear: humanity must recognize the gift of creation and repent for ecological sins, including the exploitation of fossil fuels.” He encourages everyone to join the WCC’s cohosted webinar on the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty on 10 September, which is part of the Season of Creation events. The Season of Creation continues through 4 October, with global events and actions designed to engage faith communities in advocating for sustainable policies and practices. Observed annually from 1 September to 4 October, the Season of Creation is a time for Christians worldwide to renew their relationship with the Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment. The World Council of Churches (WCC) plays a key role in organizing and promoting this ecumenical initiative, uniting faith communities in the pursuit of environmental justice. Season of Creation celebration guide Season of Creation website Sustainability and Economy of Life Ecumenical Patriarch shares opening message for Season of Creation (News Release, 29 August 2024) Global faith communities unite for Season of Creation 2024 with new celebration guide (News Release, 06 June 2024) “Feast of Creation” seminar explores and inspires toward global ecological transformation (News Release, 20 March 2024) | 
No comments:
Post a Comment